Also called orthognathic surgery, surgical orthodontics uses state-of-the-art techniques to correct structural issues that affect the way your jaws work. That includes problems that affect the way you bite, chew, and speak, as well as conditions like temporomandibular joint disorder, facial trauma or birth defects, and some types of sleep apnea.
In most cases, surgical orthodontics are performed in addition to traditional orthodontic treatment, like braces and aligners, to correct your bite mechanics and tooth alignment.
In this post, Brendan Smith, DDS, MS, at Freedom Orthodontics in Cedar Park, Texas, offers a few important tips to help you prepare for your upcoming orthodontic surgery.
It’s normal to be a little nervous before any type of surgery, but asking lots of questions beforehand can help. Being informed about your procedure and your recovery can help you feel more relaxed and confident about your care.
If you take medications for any medical issues, ask Dr. Smith if you should delay taking your doses before your surgery. The same is true of nutritional supplements, some of which may interfere with healing or increase your risk of bleeding.
Dr. Smith offers a variety of pain management options to keep you completely comfortable and relaxed during your surgery. He also provides prescriptions for pain relievers to aid in recovery when needed, so you can feel confident about your care during and after your surgery.
Sedatives and anesthetics typically require a brief period of fasting before your procedure to avoid nausea and vomiting. Dr. Smith provides complete instructions regarding what you can and can’t eat or drink, as well as how long you need to fast before your procedure.
The sedatives and anesthesia used in oral surgery can leave you feeling groggy afterward. You’ll need to avoid driving for the rest of the day, so having someone on hand to drive you home and run errands (like picking up prescriptions) is essential.
Wearing loose, comfy clothing helps you transition into recovery after your surgery. Short sleeves make it easier for us to administer sedatives via an IV.
During the initial stages of recovery, your diet will likely be restricted to soft foods or just liquids. Before surgery, stock your pantry, fridge, and freezer with soups, yogurt, nutrition drinks, cooked veggies, and smoothie ingredients, so you can focus more time on relaxing and recovering.
Smoking impairs your healing by interfering with circulation, a necessary part of the healing process. Ideally, you should stop smoking a few weeks before your surgery and avoid smoking until your surgical site is fully healed. If you need help quitting, the American Lung Association offers plenty of resources on its website.
Dr. Smith is a top-rated orthodontist with extensive experience in advanced treatment options, including surgical orthodontics. To find out more, call Freedom Orthodontics or book an appointment online today.
